There are a number of reasons for working for the Pakistani Students Association (PSA) on your campus. The Pakistani Students Association provides an opportunity for all students to not only become socially active, but also to serve and address the interests of Pakistani students on campus. One should also look at PSA to preserve and safeguard the unique and rich Pakistani culture, values, and identity.

The aforementioned 'reasons' for working for a PSA are explained in a bit more detailed fashion below.

1- Social Activism

PSA provides an opportunity for all students to work for the betterment of the society on the whole. The PSA will provide the students with a platform for dealing with issues that affect the student community, and specifically the Pakistani student community. In turbulent times such as these, your involvement in the PSA and your interaction with the non-Pakistani Americans could help clarify the many stereotypes against Pakistanis and Muslims, prevalent in the Western society.

2- Developing your Skills

If you think you possess strong presentation abilities, which may include your writing talent or eloquent speech, or if you have an artistic mind, professional designing talent, or creative ideas, then the Pakistani Students Association, may be the right avenue to further strengthen and nurture these skills! Taking responsibilities within the PSA will enhance your leadership and team skills necessary to advance in today's business environment. In addition, working for PSA would also give you a valuable experience to add to your resume.

3- Giving back to Pakistan and to community

Very often we see people, specially the ones living overseas, searching for some practical ways of contributing to Pakistan, the land where they were born, or raised, or enjoyed their time on vacations. Well, many Pakistani students choose to volunteer for and take leadership roles in their PSA's, to express their appreciation to Pakistan for giving them an identity to be proud of. This may be your humble way of serving the people of Pakistan.

4- Volunteering Time

Time is your life, and should be spent carefully and on productive causes. By being socially active through PSA, you will be volunteering your efforts and energies towards the betterment of the society. Besides your academic life, your involvement in the PSA activities may yet be another productive use of your time and energies.

5- Serving Humanity and the Community

The PSA would allow the students to serve the Pakistani community, as well as the other people, both in the surrounding area, as well as around the world. The PSA plans to initiate many human development projects in Pakistan, giving students an excellent opportunity to do something for the humanity. The PSA will also be serving the Pakistani community by holding lectures and seminars on Pakistan's history, origin, as well as key issues that concern the country at present.

Though the purpose of PSA is not to lobby for any government, PSA will attempt to show the general people the second side of the picture on key issues like Kashmir, Taliban, state terrorism, Islam, women rights, rights of the minorities, etc.

6- Connecting to your Roots, Identity, Values, and Tradition

Your volunteer work for HDF and generous donations to its projects may be an excellent way to connect yourself to your roots. In this monoculture of North America, it is important that Pakistanis work to preserve and safeguard their rich culture, values, traditions, and their distinct identity. Pakistan is a country with a great heritage - a land of great civilizations. The PSA will also provide an opportunity to the Pakistani students to showcase the Pakistani culture and heritage.

By doing so, the PSA will be educating the Pakistani and the non-Pakistani students on campus about the Pakistan, its values, and its culture.

For more info on PSA National email info@psanational.com

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/18/2002 8:06:48 AM

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